Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 4:18–19
As we finish up, God used Peter to unpack the trials all believers face. In 1 Peter 4:18, God had Peter quote Proverbs 11:31. God is not saying that we are saved by our works, for we know that is not true (Ephesians 2:8–9). God is reminding us that the price of following Him will cost us everything. Now, you might ask, “If my good works do not save me, and since Christ paid the price in full for all my sin, what does it cost me to walk with my Lord?” Jesus tells us the cost of following Him in the following Scriptures, so be sure and read them all (Matthew 10:38–39, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23–24, Luke 14:27, Luke 17:33, John 12:25). As an example of the “difficulty” of following our Lord, we’ll examine Luke 9:23–24. Jesus said, to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, which means to die to self, knowing life is only found in Him (Colossians 3:4). To deny ourselves also means to humble ourselves under God’s authority, for if we don’t humble ourselves, God will humble us. (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14, James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). We must take up our cross, which means we must crucify our flesh continually. So, to follow our Lord means we walk in obedience to Him and imitate His life (Ephesians 5:1). Finally, we always live in a manner that pleases Him, for it’s what we’re called to do.
Challenge & Application
· How are you daily denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus?
· How are you making sure you are living in a manner that pleases our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!